Introduction: Sage Publishing's new office space.

The preservation, sharing, and growth of knowledge sits at the heart of progress. For generations, academic publishers have played a vital role in that process, helping ideas travel from experts and researchers into classrooms, workplaces, and the wider world. 

SAGE Publishing has been at the centre of that mission for decades. As a leading global publisher of academic journals, books, and educational resources, it has helped shape the learning journeys of countless students, academics, and professionals (myself included!). Creating a workspace worthy of such a respected and longstanding brand was therefore a responsibility we didn’t take lightly.

The Brief: Connect planting to the design

Working alongside IKON Design & Build, we developed a planting scheme that felt intrinsically connected to the wider design vision. From the earliest stages of the project, the aim was to ensure the planting complemented the character of the space, helping to create an environment that felt thoughtful, welcoming, and inspiring for the people who use it every day.

Oh yeah, and it had to fit in with all the books on the shelves…

The Design: Layering and zoning

One of the standout features of the space is its openness. Expansive communal areas, striking furniture settings, and a design language that sits somewhere between Art Deco elegance and contemporary workplace design give the office a distinctive character.

That openness, however, brought its own challenges. With few physical divisions between different functions, the planting needed to help reinforce the zoning already established by IKON’s design, subtly guiding people through the space while preserving its airy feel.

Layering the space with planting

To achieve this, we focused on layering. Above communal table areas, combinations of hanging and trailing planting help create a sense of enclosure without interrupting sightlines or restricting movement. In these locations, we specified high-quality replica planting, allowing us to introduce abundant greenery in areas where natural light levels would not support living plants long term.

The result is a scheme that works with the architecture rather than competing against it, adding softness, texture, and definition while maintaining the openness that makes the space so inviting.

The Installation and planting

To deliver the suspended planting efficiently alongside the many moving parts of a live fit-out, we utilised our signature Ceiling Raft system. This allows the planting to be designed and assembled off-site before being installed as a complete unit, ensuring a smooth installation process while maintaining the integrity of the overall design.

Within the integrated cabinet troughs, we used a blend of Asplenium, Aglaonema, and English Ivy to bring a vibrant texture to the space. These plants also are incredibly good at thriving in lower light conditions found throughout the workspace. While our maintenance team provides ongoing care to ensure the scheme remains at its best, choosing species naturally suited to these conditions gives the planting the strongest possible foundation for longer-term success!

Elsewhere, rows of mature Aglaonema were positioned behind the softly screened partitions. Beyond adding texture and greenery, these plants help create a subtle sense of prospect and refuge, a key principle of biophilic design. Partially obscured spaces naturally encourage curiosity and exploration, echoing the layered vegetation and sheltered clearings found within forest environments. The result is a workplace that feels both open and inviting, while still offering moments of privacy, comfort, and discovery.

Conclusion: Creating a scheme to compliment the space, and last long into the future

At the heart of this project was a simple idea: the planting should feel as though it belonged. Every element was designed to complement the interior, fitting together with the wider scheme like pieces of a jigsaw.

Just as importantly, the planting was specified with longevity in mind. By selecting species suited to the conditions of the space, and supporting them with our ongoing maintenance service, the scheme has been built to continue looking its best well into the future.

If you are looking to enhance your workplace with a professionally designed and maintained planting scheme, we are here to help. Get in touch with our team, or fill in the form below to discuss your space and discover how we can bring it to life.